Moses Odubajo had fired Orient in front after 34 minutes with a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area and the Londoners seemed in total control five minutes later when Dean Cox tapped in Odubajo's low cross.

But Evans' half-time rallying cry did the trick as Rotherham pulled one back after 54 minutes when O's keeper Jamie Jones missed Ben Pringle's cross and Revell rolled the ball into the net.

And Revell hauled his side level with a truly memorable strike on the hour mark, a cracking lob on the volley from 30 yards over the stranded Jones.

"All season, the boys have continued to fight in adversity," added Evans, whose side were only promoted from League Two last season.

"At half-time my assistant manager said the players were going to need me to dig them out of the trenches and put them top of the mountain.

"I just spoke to them about what it means to them, to the mums, dads, children and when you're a granddad and what it would mean when you're looking back. You have to have the desire, fight and hunger."

Defeat was hard to take for Orient manager Russell Slade, whose side led the table for the best part of six months only to fall short on the home straight.

They not only led at half-time but also during the shoot-out as Jones saved Rotherham's second penalty from Lee Frecklington.

Chairman Barry Hearn has still promised to fly the squad to Las Vegas as a reward for reaching the play-offs, but the cocktails will not taste quite as sweet as they might have.

"It doesn't feel too good," admitted Slade. "It's one of my toughest moments as a manager and it's tough for my players who have given everything, yet again.

"It's cruel, it's not like we haven't practised penalties, but it's all about the moment. You need that little bit of fortune which Rotherham got.

"I'm very proud of the season and the players can be very proud of what they've done.

"Yes, I'm going to Las Vegas. It doesn't feel like it at the moment but it might just be the tonic the group needs."